Considering a Winnebago Itasca

homeless · 05-29-2014, 04:34 AM

Any thoughts out there as to what I need to look for or know about a 97 Winnebago Itasca

Clifftall · 05-29-2014, 05:03 AM

The model , length , chassis and anything else you know would be helpful.

tderonne · 05-29-2014, 10:20 AM

Right, chassis and model would help.

Slides were new on the scene in '97. Winnebago went from very deep slides, to shallower ones in the first few years they used them. Some folks don't like how much the deep slides protrude into the coach when pulled in.

On the gas Class A models, '97 was just shy of the revised Ford F53 that came out in January of '99 (some '98 model boxes when built on them). The V10 and a wider track were two features that are very desirable to some folks. Makes for a much nicer driving coach.

You have found the online brochures for '97 I hope? They are linked here in the Winnebago section.

homeless · 05-29-2014, 06:34 PM

ok its a 99 WINNEBAGO ITASCA SUNCRUSER with a V8 ford 460 36' Any incite would be appreciated..

kratzkr · 05-30-2014, 08:37 AM

My 2 cents, for what it's worth....

I've owned two Suncruisers, and 89 34IRQ model and a 2000 35U model and both were great. The '89 was based on the Chevy P30 chassis with a 454 gas motor and, while it drove and handled well, it doesn't compare to the 2000 which is based on the Ford F53 chassis with the V10 Triton motor.

The interior layout is basically identical but the 2000 with the slideouts obviously has more "dancing" space when parked.

Maintenance is relatively easy, but I can tell you that when something goes "south" (and something will eventually....) get it repaired and repaired properly... trying to jury rig something may work for the short term to get home, but will lead to additional challenges if not taken care of properly.

Both the DW and I enjoy the Suncruiser model and it works well for us. Just remember, your mileage may vary....

Regardless of what coach you choose, enjoy!

Kyle

TomandGloria · 05-30-2014, 03:25 PM

For what it's worth, I could not get my DW out of our Suncruiser. She loves the floor plan and has not seen one yet she would be willing to trade for. They are great motor homes. Spent almost 20 years living at Lake Waukomis, MO. Loved the Midwest, except for the winters. Good luck on your search.

WReeder · 06-12-2014, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomandGloria

For what it's worth, I could not get my DW out of our Suncruiser. She loves the floor plan and has not seen one yet she would be willing to trade for. They are great motor homes. Spent almost 20 years living at Lake Waukomis, MO. Loved the Midwest, except for the winters. Good luck on your search.

We have a 2003 35U and I don't see me wanting to get another one, meets our needs 100%!

fun 33V · 06-13-2014, 12:11 PM

We have been very pleased with our Itasca,before the class a we had a class c (1995 e-350) with a 460 motor we put 52,000 trouble free miles on it before we traded it in good luck on you search

ItascaRVer · 06-13-2014, 12:36 PM

We love our Suncruiser. We have only had it 3 years, but really have enjoyed our trips in it. Ours has the V10, and I have not had a minute of trouble with it. We haven't used it as much as we planned, made a couple of trips from here in Southwest Louisiana to Wisconsin, and several out to the Austin, TX area. Love the roominess even when the slide is in, even better with it out.

Wayne